BE A HOLIDAY HELPER
Each year, we invite some of our clients to fill out a wish list. Offices, churches, friend groups, and individual families sponsor a family's wish list to help make the holidays brighter for people in crisis. Wish lists are filled out in October, distributed in early November, and gifts are due to Faces of Hope by the Tuesday after Thanksgiving for inventory, wrapping, and labeling.
The best part? NO WRAPPING SKILLS NEEDED! To ensure client confidentiality, Holiday Helpers are given a family number and family member letter to label the gifts (5A, 5B, Family 5 gift card, etc) and donate them to us unwrapped.
Are you interested? Please reach out to our lead advocate, Olivia at Olivia@facesofhopeidaho.org.
FILL THE HOLIDAY HOPE SHOP
Help fill the Holiday Hope Shop — a special space filled with gifts, food baskets, and essentials for survivors who begin services in November and December and are too late to be sponsored.
Faces of Hope sees 15–20 new clients each week and we want every family who comes to us during the holidays to feel supported and cared for. We invite you to help stock the Holiday Hope Shop with items such as toys, cozy clothing, household supply baskets, and food baskets.
The amount you spend is completely up to you, and every item helps us bring hope to someone starting their healing journey.
If you are interested in helping families that start receiving help in November and December, please reach out to Liz at Liz@facesofhopeidaho.org. All gifts can be delivered to Faces of Hope at 209 W. Main St., Boise, ID 83702, Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm, and are due by the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.
THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE
When you sponsor a family or give to the Holiday Hope Shop, you’re doing more than donating items — you’re helping survivors and their families experience warmth, dignity, and hope during a time that can feel especially hard.
Thank you for opening your heart this holiday season. Your generosity helps survivors reclaim joy, one gift at a time.
FAQs:
How much will I spend?
Let us know what size of family you would like, or we can split larger families for you. The amount you spend is totally up to you. The lists are meant as a guide for you to get to know the family better. We ask for their sizes and favorite restaurants and activities, something each person wants, something each person needs, and other gift ideas. If you aren't sure you want to sponsor a family, you could contribute filler items instead (see below).
Faces of Hope is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit. Based on the dollar amount you provide us when you drop off your gifts, you will receive an acknowledgment letter you can use for your taxes.
When are gifts needed?
By the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It might seem early to you, but it takes a while for us to inventory, wrap, label, and distribute the gifts, and we try to be done by mid-December. Last year we were able to help 38 families (142 individuals) so you can imagine the stacks of gifts!
Where would I take the gifts?
Faces of Hope Boise:
209 W Main St, Boise, ID 83702
You can bring in your gifts any time Monday-Friday 8am-5pm prior to November 30th.
HOLIDAY HOPE SHOP IDEAS
Our Holiday Hope Shop gives survivors and their families a chance to “shop” — at no cost — for gifts, essentials, and experiences that restore dignity, comfort, and joy.
Your donations help make that possible. Whether you give cozy pajamas, a self-care kit, or a movie night, you’re offering more than a gift — you’re helping survivors reclaim hope. We kindly ask that donations are not used items.
Gift ideas:
Experience Gifts
Experiences help survivors and their children feel connection, normalcy, and joy. They create moments of laughter, trust, and bonding — essential parts of the healing journey.
Ideas:
- Zoo Boise, Discovery Center, or Children's Museum passes
- Movie theatre gift cards ($25–$50)
- Mini golf passes (Wahooz)
- Trampoline park passes
- Restaurant/dinner gift cards ($50–$100, e.g., Olive Garden, Red Robin, McDonald’s, Domino’s, Idaho Pizza Company)
- Roaring Springs passes
Movie Night Kits
A movie night brings comfort, connection, and fun — and helps survivors create new memories free from trauma.
Ideas:
- Movie theatre or streaming gift cards (Netflix, Disney+, Amazon, Hulu)
- Popcorn kits or fun flavored popcorn
- Candy or theatre-style snacks
- Cozy blanket or pillow
- Popcorn bucket or bowls
- Pizza or takeout gift card
Family Game Night
Play and laughter help rebuild closeness and positive family time.
Ideas:
- Board games (Jenga, Connect 4, Sorry!, Trouble, Guess Who?, Monopoly, Scrabble)
- Card games (Uno, Skip-Bo, Phase 10, Apples to Apples)
- Puzzles for kids and adults
- Snacks (popcorn, chips, candy)
- Pizza or takeout gift card
- Cozy blanket or pillow
Self-Care Kits
Self-care items remind survivors they are worthy of rest, peace, and kindness.
Ideas:
- Cozy or weighted blanket
- Fuzzy socks or slippers
- Candle (scented or unscented)
- Bath items (bath bomb, salts, bubble bath)
- Eye mask, face mask, or essential oils
- Journal, coloring book, or puzzle book
- Herbal tea, cocoa mix, or mug
- Gift card for coffee, bookstore, or spa
Pajamas for Comfort
New pajamas represent safety, dignity, and care.
Ideas:
- Women’s pajamas (XS–3X)
- Men’s pajamas (S–XXL)
- Children’s pajamas (toddler–teen)
- Gender-neutral options
- Fuzzy socks, slippers, or robes
- Cozy blankets
Tip: Soft fabrics like flannel, fleece, or cotton are best. Include a variety of sizes and both neutral and fun prints.
Hope’s Closet – Holiday Edition
Help fill our Holiday Hope Shop with gifts for children and teens of all ages.
Infants & Toddlers (0–2): Board books, stacking blocks, plush toys, musical toys, pajamas, or blankets.
Young Kids (3–8): Dress-up costumes, beginner board games, storybooks, craft kits, Legos, puzzles, pajamas.
Older Kids (9–12): Sports balls, art supplies, board games, books, beginner tech (earbuds, small speakers), pajamas.
Teens (13–18): Journals, fuzzy blankets, self-care items, gift cards, room décor, cozy lounge wear, experience gifts.
Holiday Hope Shop items may be donated any time M-F 8am -5 pm at Faces of Hope - Boise (209 W Main St). Questions? Please contact Olivia@facesofhopeidaho.org.
